SA is failing to produce science and technology graduates required to boost the country's research and development (R&D) efforts, effectively deal with the massive skills shortage and promote economic development.
This is according to the Development Indicators 2009 released by the Presidency last week. The report also reveals that, while science and technology graduates are increasing, the levels are not enough to deal with current economic concerns.
“Despite the evident increase in the percentage of graduating students that are qualifying in the science, engineering and technology disciplines (from 25.5% in 1995 to 28.8% in 2007), the number - 36 429 - remains very low compared to the enormity of the scientific- and technology-related skills shortages in SA,” the report states.
Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel notes the indicators would provide a framework to present aggregate data on progress in human development and would inform both strategic planning and performance monitoring and evaluation functions of government. The report was first published in 2007 as a mid-term review document by the policy unit in the presidency.
The report reveals the country is generally doing well in global economic rankings, although some sub-indices, especially labour force skills, reveal that other countries are advancing faster. Along with the impact of the economic slowdown on planned R&D investment, the lack of graduates and declining labour skills will hinder economic developments, the report notes.
“Since 2004, R&D expenditure has increased significantly to reach R16.5 billion, or 0.95%, of GDP by 2006/7. While the 2008 target of 1% is attainable, the biggest risk to achieving our R&D objectives is the low proportion of high school science and maths passes and graduates from science engineering and technology disciplines.”
Increased spending
The report notes that, while R&D expenditure has been showing a steady growth since 1997, it was not an indication of increasing science and technology skills.
“Between 2004/5 and 2006/7, R&D expenditure as a percent of GDP increased from 0.87% to 0.95%. This increase is due to increased spending by the government, higher education and business sectors,” it notes.
While increased spending indicates a positive trend and will further promote R&D expenditure in future, government's contribution to labour skills still needs to increase, the report states. In 2006/7, the business sector accounted for 55.9% of R&D performance, while government accounted for only 22.8%.
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